Nondestructive robotic inspection method and system therefor
US8395378B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 2010 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N27/902
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for inspecting components, such as a rotating component of a turbomachines having one or more slots along a perimeter thereof. The method entails mounting to a robotic apparatus a probe assembly that includes a holder assembly to which a probe tip is mounted, an eddy current coil within the probe tip and adjacent a first face thereof, a touch probe contact located at a second face of the probe tip, an element for enabling relative movement between the probe tip and holder assembly, and an element for biasing the probe tip relative to the holder assembly in a direction parallel to the movement. The probe tip is then placed in a slot and caused to travel along the surface of the slot to electromagnetically inspect the slot for cracks in its surface while the first face of the probe tip is maintained in contact with a slot surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.